Replacing Phillipe Aw at the tail end of last season, head coach Aidil has had his full pre-season and the luxury to sign and retain the players he wanted for the new campaign.

The departure of last season's top scorer Ken Ilso will be keenly felt and new signing Stipe Plazibat will need to do all he can to help the team, if Home hopes to retain their status as the joint-top scoring team in the league last season.

Young guns Irfan Fandi and Adam Swandi are still raw but they offer flair and the element of surprise.

Retaining their foreign contingent with the exception of Ilso also adds a certain stability to the team.

Coach Aidil has the delicate task of negotiating through four competitions this season with AFC Cup qualification adding to the league and domestic cups commitments, but he has indicated the league still takes precedence.

Key signing(s):

Stipe Plazibat (Hougang United), Adam Swandi (Courts Young Lions)

Key departure(s):

Ken Ilso (Kedah)

Coach summary: Aidil Sharin

Aidil Sharin was the natural choice when Home United was looking for a change in coaches last season.

Having served the club well as a swashbuckling midfielder over four seasons in the early 2000s and as assistant coach from 2011-2015, he has the club culture’s ingrained in him.

He has no qualms in fielding young players and expounds the classic approach of selecting only players who earn their keep.

Player to watch: Adam Swandi

Adam Swandi signalled his arrival with a goal in his debut

Once deemed as Singapore football's next big thing, Adam Swandi is an enigma of sorts.

He is the player we read a lot about but never really got to enjoy watching. As most of his fledgling football career was spent in the national age-group squads and also overseas with FC Metz, you probably read more about Adam's exploits and abilities than seen them.

Now 21, his gangly teenage frame has filled up a little more but his pace and quick feet remain a trademark of his.

Opening his account for Home in the AFC Cup qualifier against Phnom Penh Crown, it could just be a taste of things to come.

Expectations: To push for a top-four finish

A young team with quality fronted by a young coach, Home has the talent and stamina to push for another top four finish if they find the way to equal last season's goal scoring prowess.